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China’s Ministry of Culture launched its biggest ever crackdown on Internet live-streaming platforms on Tuesday, in an operation which will last until the end of April, reports Chinese news portal China News.

The country's live-streaming industry has exploded in the last three years, with the number of platforms growing to more than 100 and live-streaming platform users reaching 422 million. Revenue has also surged from just 7.4bn yuan (US$1.1bn) in 2015 to 30bn yuan (US$4.7bn) in 2017, according to a report by Central China Television on Tuesday.

However, due to rapid development and a lack of supervision, a large volume of vulgar, and even erotic, content can easily be found on these sites.

In December 2017, a group of Chinese primary school children were reportedly removing their clothes and making sexual gestures while live-streaming on various broadcasting platforms, in order to gain more fans and followers.

Also that month, a Chinese rooftop climber died after falling from a 62-floor skyscraper during one of his trademark daredevil stunts. He accidentally filmed his own death.

Fake content and that which deviates from mainstream Chinese values, as well as videos that infringe on the Law of China on the Protection of Minors, will be especially targeted by the crackdown, as will disqualified live-streamers.

Live-streamers and platforms that do not act in accordance with the law and regulations will be shut down and banned.

MC Tianyou, a famous Chinese live-streamer who was followed by millions of fans, was permanently banned from broadcasting after he was shown using methamphetamine while on-air.